Early fall food

[my4girls]

I know it's hard to think about in the middle of summer, especially since today was almost 100 but I scheduled DDs baptism for the first week in October so of course I'm starting to think about luncheon foods for afterward. Approx 50 people, doesn't need to be fancy but not just sandwhiches either. I need apps (5 or 6) and mains- I usually like to have about three choices. Anyone have any good suggestions?

[redheadbaker]

Stuffed pork tenderloin looks impressive, but is fairly simple to make and can feed a lot. Downside is the tenderloins can get expensive.

A restaurant near me has apple-and-brie quesadillas as an appetizer in the fall - LOVE them.

[dearprudence]

Some of my favorite fall staples are squash soups (acorn and/or butternut) and chili. Also, polenta squares with goat cheese are a hit every year as an appetizer for our Thanksgiving.

[magdala9]

On a cold day, warm apple cider. Pureed soups like squash or sweet potato are easy to serve and look pretty. In the fall, I also like a pizza of caramelized onions, thin slices of apple and smoked gouda. If you make a double batch on a cookie sheet, you get plenty of pizza.

[msmerymac]

Jun 30, 2012 18:37:07 GMT -5 redheadbaker said:

A restaurant near me has apple-and-brie quesadillas as an appetizer in the fall - LOVE them.

We had those as one of the hors d'oeuvres at my wedding (married in October). Huge hit!

Other ideas:

Fried or baked ravioli bites with marinara
cups of butternut squash soup with chopped macadamia nuts and basil oil
chicken or beef satay
mini pizzas or calzones
chorizo-stuffed peppers
Baked potato bar with sweet and white potatoes - toppings could include chili, cheese, sour cream, green onion, bacon bits, regular and garlic butter (or roasted garlic), hummus, pesto

I've made this butternut squash gratin a lot in the fall with success:
allrecipes.com/recipe/merritts-butternut-squash-gratin/

[my4girls]

thanks guys, these are great ideas to get me started!

[6fsn]

One thing about baptisms in my experience- people will be HUNGRY when they walk through the door. I'm really thinking Catholic ones (especially after Mass) you have Mass, a small break, baptism, pictures, travel to your home or wherever. So when you think apps, consider things you can walk through the door and put out- a cheese platter, shrimp, especially with kids I like to do a peanut butter dip with apples, celery, and graham crackers.

Soups are great in the fall, but also think about the serving aspect- bowls for 50 could be tough. That said if you do soup, consider serving it in mugs so it's easier to carry.